Autumn, the season of rolling mists and falling leaves invites long drives in the country and picknicking the old fashioned way. That glorious time of year when there’s a chill in the air that invites you to snuggle up in a quaint cottage, with crackling fire place and some top notch regional wine. Sound good?
Autumn weekend getaways means replacing ice cream for hot chocolate, beach trips for country foliage. Whether it’s culture packed Melbourne, a foodie getaway to the Granite Belt, a few days adventure in the Blue Mountains, make your escape plan before winter hits. Here’s our guide to the Top 5 Australia’s Most Romantic Getaways with dining & adventure in equal measure providing the reasons to hit the road this Autumn, all picked with prime seasonal activities in mind.
This World Heritage-listed destination is a natural wonderland. Get your walking shoes and explore the mountains on foot or simply wander the towns of Katoomba, Leura and Blackheath for great shopping and dining.
Where to eat:
Get your caffeine fix at Anonymous for the best Campos coffee in town. Lunch like the locals at Red Door café with breakfast served all day and light lunches. For a special occasion book ahead to fine diner Silks Brasserie.
Where to stay:
Harking back to a bygone era with Whispers Cottage, a selection of four beautifully restored holiday houses close to town, luxuriously furnished and ticking all the boxes with spa baths & fireplaces and all the essentials.
Southern Queensland Country, QLD
The only Queensland destination to offer a truly seasonal experiences, visit the Granite Belt to savour crisp country air, award-wining wines and fresh seasonal produce.
Where to eat:
This little gem doesn’t look much from the road, but stay and discover the Granite Belt’s most charming food experience at Sutton’s Farm & Cidery. Try their famous apple pie served with lashings of cream & spiced cider ice-cream. Lunch or dinner head to the Barrelroom at Ballandean Estate for comfort food including steaks, Mallow Organic Lamb or pork belly cooked to perfection.
Where to Stay:
Alure Boutique Villas offer two romantic villas that are incredibly spacious with all the mod-cons plus an outdoor spa or dial up the romance and book into the luxury glamping tent for a truly unique experience.
Daylesford, VIC
Renowned for its health & wellbeing, ‘taking the waters’ is an age old tradition and can now be done in spectacular spa houses that now grace Daylesford and Hepburn Springs. Relax and unwind in the healing waters or indulge in the many day spas that dot the region.
Where to eat:
Try Breakfast and Beer for um..breakfast or a hearty lunch at the Farmers Arms Hotel. Japanese modern cuisine can be found at Kazuki’s or for a special occasion book a table at Alla Wolf Tasker’s Lake House.
Where to stay:
The Lake House is the grand dame in the region, elegantly appointed for the discerning traveller and experience the brilliance of Alla Wolf-Taskers famed restaurant just a stroll from your room.
Barossa Valley, SA
Blessed with mild sunny days and chilly evenings, it’s a beautiful time to visit the Barossa and the autumn leaves on the vines are a sight to behold. Spend your days wine tasting and romantic nights by the fireplace with a glass of Barossa Shiraz.
Where to eat:
Head to the delightful Maggie Beer’s for some warm soup and some gourmet goodies. For an indulgent lunch or dinner, head to Hentley Farm for degustation menu to die for.
Where to stay:
Seppeltsfield Vineyard Estate is an intimate luxury cottage for the exclusive use of just one couple. It’s generously stocked with gourmet provisions and even has it’s own wine cellar. The sun filled bathroom with claw foot bath and French windows to the terrace overlooking the vines…heaven.
Hunter Valley, NSW
Autumn is the time to celebrate nature’s bounty and the year’s harvest. Autumn also sees the Hunter Valley’s signature event in full swing, the incredible Lovedale Long Lunch.
Where to eat:
Muse Kitchen at Keith Tulloch winery is the perfect spot for breakfast at the weekend or a long weekend lunch. For a special dinner, it’s hard to go past Roberts Circa 1876 delivering exceptional cuisine under the guidance of seasoned Executive Chef George Francisco.
Where to stay:
The Vintry is a luxurious holiday house, which can be shared with friends or hired for the exclusive use of one lucky couple. Relax at The Vintry with hydrotherapy spa, gourmet kitchen and outdoor deck overlooking the vineyard to the Brokenback Ranges. Complimentary wine tasting session at neighbouring Audrey Wilkinson Wines can also be arranged.
Check out our Autumn & Easter offers an book your romantic getaway online with alluxia.com for instant confirmation, no booking fees and best rate guaranteed.
Image credit: Wallsfeed, Visit NSW, SQCountry, Hepburn Bathhouse, Barossa, Wine Country.
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